"That Golden State added one of the league's best big men with the mid-level exception is further proof of the allure of chasing championships," writes Chronicle staff writer Connor Letourneau of the shocking deal. With the Pelicans last season, Cousins averaged 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists, though a January Achilles tendon injury benched the All Star for the rest of the season.